Pratt goal puts Tigers over top

Wyatt Pratt couldn't have picked a better time to score his first career goal for the Douglas High boys soccer team.

The freshman's second half goal proved to be the difference Saturday as Douglas broke into the win column for the first time this season by a 1-0 decision against Bishop Manogue in Reno.

Despite its record, Douglas (1-5-1 Sierra League, 1-6-1 overall) has only allowed 14 goals but only managed to score five in eight games. The six losses have been decided by a total of 10 goals. The Tigers are 1-3 in games that have been decided by one goal.

"It took us a while," said coach Chase Zumpft, who celebrated his first win as the Tigers' head coach. "We've taken care of business on defense, we just haven't been able to put it in the back of the net."

Junior midfielder Eric Soto set up the game-winner against Manogue when he lofted a pass toward the left side of the net, where Wyatt charged in and deposited the ball into the bottom right corner.

"I just collected the ball, got past one defender and chipped it over two defenders," Soto said. "He (Pratt) made a good run."

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Zumpft added: "It was nice to see the freshman stepping up to score in that situation."

The Tigers had previously held leads in games against Reed (2-2 tie on Sept. 14) and Hug (2-1 loss on Sept. 17), only to have victory elude them.

"Our defense has been tough," Zumpft said. "They've pretty much played well as a unit … they all take care of business."

Manogue (1-6, 1-10) has lost five games this season by the same 1-0 score.

Douglas visits Damonte Ranch (2-2, 5-6) Tuesday night for an important 6:45 p.m. contest that figures to have playoff implications in the league playoff race. The Tigers host Wooster Saturday at 10:45 a.m.